Yes, but only if you meet residency and identity requirements
You can open an Italian bank account online, but not from anywhere in the world and not without proof of identity and residency. Most Italian banks will open an account for you online if you are an EU citizen living in Italy, or a non-EU citizen with a valid residence permit. The process is faster than visiting a branch — usually 10 to 15 minutes — but you will need to verify your identity through video call or digital ID, and you must have an Italian address and tax identification number.
If you are not yet in Italy or do not have residency papers, you cannot complete the process online. You will need to visit a branch in person with your passport and proof of address. Some banks will let you start the application online and finish it in a branch, but this is not the same as a fully remote account opening.
Key Takeaways
- Italian banks require proof of identity (passport or ID card) and an Italian address before opening an account online.
- EU citizens can open accounts online more easily than non-EU citizens, who must show a valid residence permit or visa.
- You will need an Italian tax identification number (codice fiscale) before or during the account opening process.
- Video verification is standard for online account opening and usually happens within 24 hours of your application.
- If you cannot meet residency requirements, opening an account in person at a branch is your only option.
Which banks let you open an account fully online
The major Italian banks that offer online account opening are Intesa Sanpaolo, UniCredit, and Banco BPM. Smaller banks and fintech services like Wise, N26, and Revolut also offer online accounts, though these are often multi-currency or investment accounts rather than traditional current accounts. The difference matters: a traditional current account (conto corrente) is what you need for salary deposits and bill payments, while a digital wallet or fintech account may not work for all Italian transactions.
Intesa Sanpaolo and UniCredit both have online account opening for residents with an Italian tax ID. The process is similar across both: you upload your ID, confirm your address, complete a video call with a bank representative, and sign documents electronically. The entire process takes one to three business days from start to finish. Smaller regional banks like Cassa di Risparmio or Banca Popolare may require you to visit a branch, so check with your local branch before applying online.
Fintech accounts like Wise or N26 are faster — sometimes instant — but they are not traditional bank accounts. They work well for receiving international transfers or holding multiple currencies, but Italian employers and government offices may not recognize them for salary deposits or tax purposes. If you need a standard Italian bank account for work or residency requirements, stick with Intesa Sanpaolo, UniCredit, or Banco BPM.
What documents and information you need before you start
Before you begin an online application, gather these documents: a valid passport or EU ID card, proof of your Italian address (a utility bill, rental contract, or letter from your landlord dated within the last three months), and your Italian tax identification number (codice fiscale). If you do not yet have a codice fiscale, you can request one from the Agenzia delle Entrate (Italian Revenue Agency) online or at a local office. The process takes a few days, so do this first if you do not have one.
You will also need a phone number and email address registered in Italy, though a foreign phone number may work depending on the bank. Have your employment details ready if you are opening the account for salary deposits — the bank will ask for your employer's name and your contract type. If you are self-employed or a freelancer, have your business registration number (partita IVA) available.
Non-EU citizens must also have a valid residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) or long-term visa. The bank will ask to see this during the video verification step. If your permit is still being processed, some banks will let you proceed with a receipt showing you have applied, but this varies by bank.
How the video verification step works
After you submit your online application, the bank will contact you within 24 hours to schedule a video call. During this call, a bank representative will ask you to show your ID document, confirm your address, and answer basic questions about the account's purpose. The call usually lasts 5 to 10 minutes. You must be in a quiet space with good lighting and a stable internet connection.
The bank will take a screenshot or recording of your ID during the call. They may also ask you to show proof of address — a utility bill or rental contract — on camera. Have these documents ready before the call. If you cannot make the scheduled time, you can usually reschedule once or twice, but repeated cancellations may result in your application being rejected.
After the video call, the bank will send you documents to sign electronically. This is usually done through a link in an email, and you sign with your phone or computer. Once you sign, the account is typically active within one to three business days. The bank will send you your account number, IBAN, and login details by email.
Timeline from application to first use
The full process takes between three and seven business days. Day one is your online application submission. Day two or three is your video verification call. Days three to five are document signing and bank processing. By day five to seven, your account is active and you can receive transfers.
If you need the account urgently — for example, to receive a salary payment — tell the bank during your video call. Some banks can expedite the process to two to three business days if you ask. However, do not count on this. Plan for a full week and treat anything faster as a bonus.
Once your account is active, you can log in online immediately and see your account details. You can receive transfers right away, but you may not be able to make outgoing transfers or use a debit card until the bank sends you the physical card, which arrives by mail within one to two weeks. Ask the bank during your video call if you can make transfers before the card arrives — some banks allow this, others do not.
What to do if you cannot meet the residency requirement
If you do not have an Italian address yet or your residence permit is still being processed, you cannot open an account fully online. Your options are to visit a branch in person once you arrive in Italy, or to ask a friend or family member who lives in Italy to help you open an account in their name temporarily — though this creates legal and tax complications and is not recommended.
The fastest path is to visit a branch as soon as you have your residence permit or proof of address. Bring your passport, proof of address, and codice fiscale. The branch can open an account on the spot, usually within 30 minutes. You will sign documents in person and receive your account details immediately. The bank will still mail you a debit card, which arrives within one to two weeks.
If you are moving to Italy for work, ask your employer whether they can help with the account opening process or recommend a bank. Some large employers have relationships with banks that speed up the process for new employees.
Costs and account types
Most Italian banks charge a monthly or annual fee for a current account. Intesa Sanpaolo and UniCredit charge between €3 and €10 per month depending on the account type and whether you meet conditions like direct salary deposit. Some accounts are free if you maintain a minimum balance or receive a monthly salary. Ask about these conditions during your application or video call.
Fintech accounts like Wise or N26 are often free or charge a small monthly fee (€2 to €5), but they do not offer the same services as a traditional bank account. If you only need to hold money and make transfers, a fintech account is cheaper. If you need overdraft protection, a debit card for ATM withdrawals, or the ability to receive salary deposits, a traditional bank account is necessary.
When you choose your account type during the online application, the bank will show you the fee structure. Read this carefully — some accounts charge per transaction, others charge a flat monthly fee. Choose based on how often you plan to use the account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open an Italian bank account online if I am not yet in Italy?
No, not fully. You need an Italian address and tax ID number to complete the process online. You can start an application before you arrive, but you will need to finish it in person at a branch once you have your residence permit and address. Some banks let you schedule a video call before you arrive, but this is rare.
What if my codice fiscale has not arrived yet?
Some banks will let you proceed with your application using your passport number and will assign you a temporary tax ID. You must provide your actual codice fiscale within 30 days. If you do not have it, request it from the Agenzia delle Entrate online — it usually arrives within five to ten business days.
Do I need an Italian phone number to open an account?
Most banks prefer an Italian phone number for security and SMS verification, but some will accept a foreign number if you provide an Italian address and email. Ask the bank during your application whether a foreign number is acceptable. You can get an Italian phone number cheaply from providers like TIM, Vodafone, or Wind Tre.
Can I use a fintech account like Wise or N26 instead of a traditional bank account?
Yes, if you only need to hold and transfer money. But Italian employers and government offices may not recognize fintech accounts for salary deposits or tax purposes. If you need the account for work or official transactions, open a traditional account with Intesa Sanpaolo, UniCredit, or Banco BPM instead.
What happens if my video verification call fails or I miss it?
The bank will contact you to reschedule. If you miss the call twice or do not respond within a week, your application may be rejected and you will need to start over. If the video call fails due to technical problems, tell the bank immediately and ask to reschedule the same day if possible.